The history of this Baume & Mercier Montre-Bijou
Baume & Mercier spent the 1970s redefining the aesthetic codes of ladies’ watchmaking. This era saw the emergence of hardstone dials, a technique requiring the cutting of extremely thin mineral slices without breaking them. This Montre-Bijou model, reference 36662, exemplifies this creative period. Malachite, a stone recognisable by its shades of green and natural striations, replaces the traditional metal dials. It transforms the functional object into a piece of jewellery in which telling the time takes a back seat.
Case, movement and strap of this Montre-Bijou
The 18-carat yellow gold case has a diameter of 24 millimetres. Its round silhouette is adorned with a twisted bezel that frames the mineral dial. The dial, carved from malachite, has no hour markers, allowing the stone’s texture to shine through. Two dauphine-style hands sweep across the surface. The movement is powered by a hand-wound mechanical calibre offering a power reserve of approximately 36 hours. The watch is fastened to the wrist with a white leather strap fitted with a gold-plated pin buckle.
Why this Baume & Mercier watch
The appeal of this timepiece lies in the uniqueness of its dial. Each slice of malachite has its own distinct marbling, ensuring that no two watches are exactly alike. On the pre-owned market, 1970s designs featuring hardstone dials are attracting growing interest. This model offers a understated take on luxury, combining solid gold with the natural texture of the stone.
Contents and condition
This example comes with a black presentation box, but without its original documentation. The watch bears witness to its history with signs of wear spread across the entire gold case. The white leather strap also shows marked signs of regular wear. The gold can be polished on request to reduce these marks and restore the lustre to the smooth and twisted surfaces.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this piece. It comes with a 12-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and in-store collection, or fully secure international delivery.
* Condition: Used – Visible signs of wear. Appearance consistent with the item’s history and age. Polishing available on request.
